Jake Gaudaur, a world-renowned professional sculler and Orillia native, returned to his hometown after retiring. Born in 1858 near the historic Narrows in Orillia, Gaudaur grew up surrounded by the waters of Lake Couchiching where he developed his rowing skills. His parents, Francis and Jeanette Gaudaur, both had roots in Orillia’s early settling families with French-Canadian and Anglo-Scottish backgrounds.
Gaudaur’s impressive rowing career culminated with him winning the world’s singles sculling championship in 1896 along the Thames River in England. This achievement marked the pinnacle of his extensive rowing career that included over 100 race wins across North America. Orillia celebrated his accomplishment with fireworks and a grand parade held in his honor.
After returning to Orillia in 1904, Gaudaur spent his retirement years guiding fishing parties on the same lakes where he honed his rowing skills as a teenager. Despite achieving national and international fame, he remained a cherished figure in his hometown and was always recognized for his rowing achievements. Until his passing in 1937, Gaudaur continued to enjoy the waters of Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe while sharing his love for rowing and fishing with others.
The Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH) houses an impressive collection of objects that showcase the local history of Orillia. Stay tuned for more features on these historical artifacts that will shed light on the remarkable life of Jake Gaudaur in the coming weeks.
